A BILL has been filed by Ako Bicol Representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Elizaldy Co that would prohibit minors from engaging in full-contact sports.
House Bill 1526, or “An Act Banning Minors from Full-Contact Competitive Sports,” seeks to “prohibit the participation of minors in competitive full-contact sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, jiu jitsu, muay thai, judo and various forms of full-contact karate.”
The bill explained that it meant to look after the minors’ safety, especially with the actions involved in full-contact sports which was defined by the bill as “any sport for which significant physical impact force, whether deliberate or incidental, on players is allowed for within the rules of the game. It includes but is not limited to boxing, mixed martial arts, jiu jitsu, muai thai, judo and various forms of full-contact karate.”
“While acknowledging the importance, benefits and values that can be derived from participating in these sports, this bill also recognizes the paramount need to protect the minors. Such responsibility is imposed on parents, guardians, schools and sports associations because the minors are incapacitated to give consent nor can they waive any right of action for injuries inflicted upon them during and in connection with such activities,” the bill read.
If passed, the bill would prohibit athletes under the age of 18 from competing in full-contact sports tournaments. Should this be breached, penalties may be slapped on parents, guardians, tournament organizers and national sports associations. Penalties range from P50,000 all the way to P200,000, as well as revocation of business permit and closure of the establishment. (JNP)